Final answer:
Combination oral contraceptives may lead to side effects such as an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers, but they also reduce the risk of other cancers and control fertility effectively when taken as directed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Combination oral contraceptives, commonly referred to as the combined pill, often cause a set of side effects due to the presence of both estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal methods work by preventing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to inhibit fertilization. However, they are associated with both benefits and risks.
The combined pill has a failure rate of about one percent with perfect use, but this increases to around ten percent with typical use. This necessitates the importance of taking the pill at the same time every day to maintain consistent hormone levels.
Some negative side effects associated with combination pills include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, as well as certain types of cancer, such as breast and endometrial cancer. Conversely, they are also correlated with a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers. It's important to consult a healthcare provider to discuss the best contraceptive option and to understand potential risks